Yatawatte Dhammananda Thero vs Bahirawakande Dhammawansa Thero – SC APPEAL NO. 177/2010-2016

In the case between Yatawatte Dhammananda Thero (representing Sri Maha Bodhi MahaVihara, D.C. Kandy) and Bahirawakande Dhammawansa Thero (representing Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara, Bahirawakanda, Kandy), the court addressed the issue of rightful appointment to the Viharadhipathiship and whether temporary disrobing by the Defendant-Respondent affected seniority and entitlement to this religious office. It was held that temporary disrobing does not, by itself, constitute abandonment of the priesthood nor affect the seniority of the incumbent for the purposes of succession. The principle that mere temporary disrobing, without clear intention of permanent renunciation, does not result in loss of status or rights was reaffirmed. The decision relied on legal precedent, including the Somaratne v. Jinara